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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got a question? Have a look at our frequently asked questions, and if you still can't find what you are looking for, please get in touch.
General Questions Cycle Tour FAQs Walking Tour FAQs Questions about Wales
General questions about our tours
- Are your tours suitable for children?
Most of our tours are ideal for kids, as distances are not huge. On our cycling tours, one option is to use a trailer, or tag-a-long
, which attaches to an adult bike. Even if your child is used to riding a bike at home, they may still get tired after several hours' cycling in an unfamiliar environment. The trailer bike provides a good combination of freedom and control – your child pedals, and then you can tow them when they tire!
- What is the size of the group on a guided tour?
We usually take between four and eight guests on each guided tour. If we have a larger group, we'll have additional leaders so that we can split up if necessary. With this size of group, we can cater for individual needs and still ensure the whole party is well looked after.
- Is there a single supplement?
Our guided tours are a great opportunity for singles to potentially meet a like-minded soulmate! There is no surcharge for individuals joining a guided tour, but on self-guided routes, a single person supplement may apply. For bike hire with delivery and collection, a minimum booking value of £30 applies. Please contact us for further details if you are a single traveller.
- Do I need to do any training to come on a Drover Holiday?
To get the most our of your holiday, it helps to be reasonably fit. Our walking and cycling tours are graded according to how strenuous they are, and if you are new to either activity, we recommend that you opt for a “Grade 1” itinerary.
- Who carries my luggage?
On all tours, whether guided or self-guided, your luggage is transferred to your following night's accommodation. Luggage transfer is either carried out by Drover Holidays, by the accommodation provider or by a local taxi service. Bags should be ready for collection by 10am and will be at your next overnight stop by 3pm. We recommend taking a small day-pack on walking tours - hire bikes are fitted with handlebar bags and/or panniers - to carry your first aid kit, camera, packed lunch, spare clothing and any other items you might need during the day.
- Is my holiday financially protected?
In accordance with the Package Travel Regulations, Drover Holidays operates a Trust Account. Your deposit and balance go into this account and are only paid out to us on completion of your tour. In the event of insolvency, the monies held in trust would be used to meet the costs of your holiday. Consumers can give themselves an additional layer of protection by using a credit card to pay for their holiday. Under the terms of the Consumer Credit Act, the credit card company is equally liable for providing a refund if the holiday is not supplied or is unsatisfactory, or in the event of tour operator insolvency.
Questions about cycling
- What type of bikes do you use?
We have a fleet of almost 100 bikes to suit all types of riding and rider! For our cycling tours in Wales we usually recommend a hybrid bike as these offer a great combination of comfort, performance and low gearing. For on-road tours or if you choose to cover bigger distances each day, one of our steel-framed, drop bar road bikes would be ideal. At the other end of the spectrum we have touring bike with luggage racks which are extremely reliable, comfortable and ideal for laden touring. We also have tandems, children's bikes, trailers and seats - please ask for more details.
- Do I need to be a proficient cyclist to come on one of your tours?
All our holidays are designed for leisure cyclists, so you don't need to be a superhero even for the hardest routes. If in any doubt, give us a call and we'll be happy to discuss the most suitable route for you.
- How are the routes graded?
Easy - suitable for anyone able to ride a bike. Low daily distances, and few steep climbs. These would be the most suitable routes for families with young children.
Moderate - a little more fitness and familiarity with cycling is required. Daily distances may be longer and/or the route encounters a few more hills. These are still suitable for families, as long as the children are confident cyclists.
Strenuous - you don't need to be a cycling fanatic, but a reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy your break more. These tours tend to involve longer days in the saddle and sometimes hilly terrain, while still leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your surroundings. Families with teenage kids would probably enjoy these tours
- How far will I cycle each day?
Mileages vary according to the tour – anything from 10-12 miles for our easier routes up to 35-50 miles on the more challenging tours. Alternatively, hire bikes from us and we can tailor-make your itinerary with daily distances to suit.
- Can I use my own bike?
We spend a lot of time choosing bikes that combine comfort and performance, so you enjoy your cycling with us. However, after riding our own bikes through Africa for twenty months, we understand how attached you can be to your own steed! So of course you are welcome to ride your own bike on one of our tours, and we even offer a 10% discount if you do.
- What equipment/clothing do I need to bring with me?
Our hybrid and touring bikes are fitted with bar bags and seat packs. We supply helmets, pumps, puncture repair kits, cycle computers (measuring speed, distance etc.) and water bottles on all our tours. You are welcome to bring your own pedals or saddle which we will fit for you. We recommend that you bring a waterproof jacket, cycling shorts or padded under-shorts, cycling mitts or gloves and cycling shoes (or stiff-soled trainers) as these will make your ride more comfortable. Sunglasses are also a good idea to protect your eyes from bright light, and also from airborne insects – a particular hazard if you are speeding downhill on a bike! If you need any advice or product recommendations, just get in touch and we'll be happy to help. We will send you a recommended kit list in advance of arrival.
Questions about walking
- How are the routes graded?
Easy - mainly on good footpaths and waymarked trails with few steep hills or other major difficulties. Particularly suitable for families or anyone looking for a gentle, relaxing holiday.
Moderate - paths may be a little more tricky, with some steep sections or difficult ground underfoot. Although the way will usually be marked, some navigation may be required on self-guided walks. Well-suited to active families.
Strenuous - paths will be more difficult to follow and sections of the route may cross open hillside where good navigational skills will be needed. Going underfoot may be rocky, boggy, or otherwise potentially treacherous and these routes are best suited to individuals or families with some experience of hill-walking.
- How far will I walk each day?
Distances vary according to the tour, ranging from 5 to 18 miles per day. Also remember to take the route grading into account – what might seem like a high mileage can be comfortably achieved in one day if the walk follows a river valley and involves little ascent, for example.
- What equipment/clothing do I need to bring with me?
We recommend that you bring a waterproof jacket and possibly waterproof trousers, to keep you dry if it rains. Comfortable walking boots or shoes are essential and on routes involving a lot of ascent and descent, you may find trekking poles useful as they take the weight off your knees.
A small day pack is useful for carrying your camera, binoculars, wallet and other small items. We recommend you bring a first aid kit, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. We will send you a recommended kit list in advance of arrival bit if you need any advice or product recommendations in the meantime, just get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Questions about Wales
- Doesn't it always rain in Wales?
This part of the UK has a reputation for wet weather. We do get plenty of rain in the winter - it's what makes the valleys so green! But the truth is that unpleasant conditions rarely last for long. The best idea is to bring a waterproof jacket and be prepared for the odd summer downpour, and then it won't put a dampener on your trip.
- Do I need to speak any Welsh?
No, although Welsh is widely spoken throughout Wales, virtually 100% of the population also speaks English. Areas with a particularly strong Welsh language tradition include North Wales, Carmarthenshire and the coastal zone from Cardigan all the way to Snowdonia in the North. Road signs are bilingual throughout the country, so you will soon pick up a few words of Welsh. And if you make the effort to learn a few phrases, locals will appreciate the gesture!
- What is the food like in Wales?
Wales is a great destination for food lovers. Quality local produce, fresh from the farm or the sea, is available throughout the country and, for such a compact landmass, Wales boasts a wide range of foods. Cheeses, beef and lamb, fish and seafood are particular highlights. There are plenty of tempting cakes and biscuits too, like Bara Brith and Welshcakes, and the great thing about an active holiday is that you can indulge and not worry too much about the calories! A number of food festivals take place throughout the year, showcasing the best Welsh food, and giving local producers a chance to promote their produce. To find out more about Welsh food and the dates of upcoming Welsh food festivals, visit Wales the True Taste. We will always do our best to cater for special dietary requirements (vegetarianism, gluten intolerance etc). Please let us know at the time of booking and we will make sure accommodation providers are informed.
Can't find what you are looking for? Drop us an email to [email protected] or give us a call on 01497 821134 and we'll be happy to answer any other questions.
